(4-3-2-1): Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber Shift Roles, Partey’s Replacement Confirmed – Predicted Arsenal XI vs PSG as Arteta Shakes Up Midfield

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing for one of the most crucial matches in his managerial career as his side gears up for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Having claimed a narrow win in the first leg, Arteta is planning a tactical shake-up that could determine whether the Gunners book their place in the final.

Reports emerging from London Colney suggest that Arteta will abandon his traditional 4-3-3 shape in favor of a more compact 4-3-2-1 formation — a clear sign that he aims to dominate the midfield while maintaining an aggressive attacking structure. This adjustment could be the key to neutralizing PSG’s explosive transition play.

One of the biggest talking points is the confirmed absence of Thomas Partey from the starting eleven. In his place, Arteta is set to hand a monumental opportunity to 18-year-old Amario Cozier-Duberry, who has been making waves within Arsenal’s academy and in recent senior training sessions.

Cozier-Duberry’s selection isn’t just symbolic of Arsenal’s investment in youth — it’s strategic. Arteta reportedly views the young midfielder as a player who can inject intensity, track back effectively, and provide clean link-up play under pressure. Against a PSG side boasting names like Vitinha, Ugarte, and potentially even Marco Asensio, Cozier-Duberry’s energy could be decisive.

Another major tactical reshuffle involves Jurrien Timber. Originally expected to start as a left-back following his return from injury, Timber will instead play centrally alongside William Saliba in the heart of defense. This move has raised eyebrows but reflects Arteta’s desire for more secure ball distribution and defensive leadership at the back.

Timber’s positional switch has a ripple effect, pushing Oleksandr Zinchenko back into the left-back role and allowing Ben White to operate on the right. With Timber and Saliba in central defense, Arsenal hope to cut out PSG’s through balls to Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.

The midfield trio of Declan Rice, Ethan Nwaneri, and Cozier-Duberry will carry the enormous responsibility of controlling the tempo, stifling PSG’s creativity, and initiating transitions. For Rice, a seasoned presence, the task is familiar. But for Nwaneri and Cozier-Duberry, this is a chance to announce themselves on the biggest stage of all.

Nwaneri, still just 17, is expected to take up a deeper-lying playmaker role, where he can dictate play and protect the back line. His calmness under pressure and knack for picking progressive passes will be vital in getting past PSG’s press. His pairing with Rice offers both security and flair.

Ahead of them, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will operate just behind lone striker Kai Havertz. Their roles are crucial: stretching PSG’s full-backs, dragging defenders out of position, and exploiting wide areas where PSG are often exposed defensively.

Havertz, tasked with leading the line, will be Arsenal’s outlet for aerial balls and central link-ups. His ability to drift into pockets and bring teammates into play will be tested against the likes of Marquinhos and Milan Škriniar. Arteta is banking on his intelligence and composure in the box.

Speaking to the press ahead of the clash, Arteta expressed confidence in his selections, stating: “We are not here to protect a result — we are here to win. The boys have shown hunger, maturity, and desire, and this is the perfect moment for them to write history.”

The decision to go with youth over experience has divided some fans, but the overwhelming response on social media has been one of pride and anticipation. Arsenal supporters have been vocal in their support of the club’s academy stars, many of whom could become household names by the end of the night.

There is also growing belief that this match could mark a cultural shift at the Emirates — a symbolic passing of the torch from experienced figures like Partey and Jorginho to the next generation of Hale End graduates. It’s a bold vision, but one Arteta is willing to back fully.

While PSG brings enormous individual quality, Arsenal will be banking on chemistry, hard work, and tactical flexibility. The 4-3-2-1 formation provides an added shield in midfield while maintaining the speed and width needed to punish the French side on the counter.

Should Arsenal go through, it would mark their first Champions League final appearance since 2006. More importantly, it would cement Arteta’s project as one of Europe’s most promising rebuilds — driven by youth, intelligence, and bold coaching decisions.

Tonight’s fixture is more than a semifinal; it’s a litmus test of Arteta’s philosophy. If his young guns deliver, the result could redefine Arsenal’s European status for years to come.

The predicted Arsenal XI is as follows: David Raya in goal; Ben White, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, and Oleksandr Zinchenko forming the back four; a midfield of Declan Rice, Ethan Nwaneri, and Amario Cozier-Duberry; with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli behind the central striker, Kai Havertz.

With kickoff just hours away, all eyes will be on the Parc des Princes as Arsenal aim to silence Paris and march into the final with courage and conviction.